FATHER, beneath the moonless night,
This heavy stillness without light,
There comes a thought which I must speak
Why is my body then so weak?
Why do I falter in the race,
And flag behind this mighty pace?
Why is my strength so quickly flown?
And hark! My mother sobs alone!

My son, when I was young and free,
When I was filled with sap and glee,
I squandered here and there my strength,
And to thy mother's arms at length
Weary I came, and over-tired;
With fever all my bones were fired.
Therefore so soon thy strength is flown,
Therefore thy mother sobs alone.